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Deuteronomy 28:39 - Fruitless labor under curse?

Deuteronomy 28:39 - דברים 28:39

Hebrew Text

כְּרָמִים תִּטַּע וְעָבָדְתָּ וְיַיִן לֹא־תִשְׁתֶּה וְלֹא תֶאֱגֹר כִּי תֹאכְלֶנּוּ הַתֹּלָעַת׃

English Translation

Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress them, but shalt neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worms shall eat them.

Transliteration

Kramim tita ve'avadta vayin lo tishte ve'lo te'egor ki tochalenu hatola'at.

Hebrew Leining Text

כְּרָמִ֥ים תִּטַּ֖ע וְעָבָ֑דְתָּ וְיַ֤יִן לֹֽא־תִשְׁתֶּה֙ וְלֹ֣א תֶאֱגֹ֔ר כִּ֥י תֹאכְלֶ֖נּוּ הַתֹּלָֽעַת׃
כְּרָמִ֥ים תִּטַּ֖ע וְעָבָ֑דְתָּ וְיַ֤יִן לֹֽא־תִשְׁתֶּה֙ וְלֹ֣א תֶאֱגֹ֔ר כִּ֥י תֹאכְלֶ֖נּוּ הַתֹּלָֽעַת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Tanakh

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 28:39 as part of the Tochacha (Rebuke), a section detailing the curses that will befall Bnei Yisrael if they fail to uphold the covenant with Hashem. The verse describes the futility of agricultural labor when divine retribution is enacted.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on the phrase "וְיַיִן לֹא־תִשְׁתֶּה" ("you shall not drink the wine"): Even if you manage to produce wine, you will not benefit from it—either because enemies will plunder it or because it will spoil. The phrase "כִּי תֹאכְלֶנּוּ הַתֹּלָעַת" ("for the worms shall eat them") emphasizes that the grapes will rot before they can be harvested or turned into wine.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides), in Hilchot Ta'anit (Laws of Fasting), cites this verse as an example of how curses manifest as natural disasters when the Jewish people stray from Torah. The destruction of crops by pests is a direct consequence of failing to observe mitzvot, demonstrating divine providence over both nature and human affairs.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tavo 4) elaborates that this curse reflects a reversal of blessing: whereas the righteous (tzaddikim) enjoy the fruits of their labor (as in Tehillim 128:2), the disobedient will labor in vain. The "worms" symbolize decay and unfulfilled effort, a theme echoed in Malachi 3:11, where locusts devour crops as punishment.

Halachic Implications

  • Brachot on Labor: The Mishna Berura (Orach Chaim 227:1) notes that even in times of hardship, one must recite blessings over agricultural work, acknowledging that all outcomes—even futility—are decreed by Hashem.
  • Trust in Divine Justice: The Chofetz Chaim teaches that this verse underscores the principle of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure): those who neglect Torah, the "vineyard of Hashem" (Yeshayahu 5:7), will see their own vineyards fail.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:39 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 28:39 is part of the 'Tochecha' (the rebuke), where the Torah warns of consequences for not following Hashem's commandments. This verse describes a curse where one will plant vineyards and work them, but won't benefit from the wine or grapes because worms will destroy them. Rashi explains that this symbolizes wasted effort—even when one does the work, they won't enjoy the fruits of their labor if they stray from Torah observance.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it teaches the principle of 'measure for measure' (middah k'neged middah) in divine justice. The Rambam (Hilchos Ta'anios 1:1-3) explains that suffering and loss come as a wake-up call to return to Torah and mitzvos. The curse of unfulfilled labor reminds us that true success comes only through faithfulness to Hashem's will.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 28:39 today?
A: The verse teaches that material success without spiritual purpose is meaningless. The Talmud (Berachos 35b) discusses how Torah scholars who prioritize spiritual growth merit divine blessing in their physical endeavors. Today, this reminds us that our efforts should align with Torah values—otherwise, even hard work may not bring lasting satisfaction.
Q: How does this verse apply to agricultural laws in Judaism?
A: The Sifri connects this verse to the importance of observing agricultural mitzvos like Terumah, Maaser (tithes), and Shmita (Sabbatical year). Neglecting these laws could lead to the curse described. The Rambam (Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 10:2) states that properly separating tithes brings blessing to one's produce, while withholding them invites loss.
Q: Does this verse mean Hashem punishes people harshly?
A: No—the Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16b) explains that divine 'punishments' are actually corrections meant to guide us back. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 4:3) compares this to a father disciplining his child out of love. The curses in the Tochecha are ultimately for our benefit, encouraging repentance and renewed commitment to Torah.